- we spotted the upcoming c8 corvette z06 testing its launch-control system at general motors' proving grounds.
- the c8 z06 will be powered by a naturally aspirated flat-plane-crank v-8 that revs to 9000 rpm.
- it's expected to make its debut by the end of the year.
we seriously can't get enough of the upcoming c8 corvette z06. with its high-revving flat-plane-crank v-8, it's going to be one of the best sounding 'vettes yet. we've just caught the new z06 testing its launch-control system on general motors' north-south straight at its proving grounds in milford, michigan, and you'll want to put in headphones for this.
it'll be powered by a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank v-8 that should rev to between 8500 and 9000 rpm, make over 600 horsepower, and provide a ferrari-like wail. power will be sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. we recently spotted chevy testing the new high-performance c8 corvette alongside a ferrari 458 italia, which also uses a high-revving naturally aspirated flat-plane v-8 engine, so it's no secret what chevy is aiming for. the standard c8 corvette is powered by a 490-hp cross-plane-crank 6.2-liter v-8 and launched to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds in our test.
the z06 will have a wider track, stronger brakes, a recalibrated suspension tune, and more aggressive aero, which should include a rear wing, not seen in this spy video. we've spotted a few prototypes testing with a center-exit quad-tip exhaust system, but this test car has two exhaust tips on either corner.
we'll know more about the upcoming high-performance c8 corvette variants soon, and a grand sport, twin-turbocharged zr1, and hybrid zora or e-ray will join shortly after. the z06 should be the first to arrive, starting at around $85,000, and we can't wait to do some launches to 9000 rpm of our own.